Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[manymoretodays]

Oh and did your liver status normalize?  Have you had labwork since you got here in Aug. 2016 repeated, liver enzymes especially?  Anyway.........I'm not sure I am going to be able to read all 43 pages.

 

However........hold steady for awhile with the Lexapro.  And you are doing super.

 

Love, peace,

mmt

[Scorpio]

Hi frogie

how are you doing is the anxiety still causing you grief. I hope you are feeling a little better. I am upright today thank goodness. Still hve anxiety but lessening a little, tinnitus raging and stomach groaning but moving so compared to the last 6 days big improvement. I’ve been doing much needed cleaning and at least if it’s downhill  tomorrow I can moan and groan somewhere clean. 

 

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, manymoretodays said:

Well.......I got a little ways into your introduction..........and just some questions.  Looks like you are off the Prilosec. and Zantac successfully?   Do you use Zantac still on a prn basis?  Or have the GER(gastroesophageal reflux) symptoms abated?

 

And superduper great that you are NOT experiencing nausea with your recent taper.  Yay!

I'm not on Prilosec or Zantac at all.

 

No nausea with this taper just the anxiety, but it's letting up.

 

Thanks...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

33 minutes ago, Scorpio said:

Hi frogie

how are you doing is the anxiety still causing you grief. I hope you are feeling a little better. I am upright today thank goodness. Still hve anxiety but lessening a little, tinnitus raging and stomach groaning but moving so compared to the last 6 days big improvement. I’ve been doing much needed cleaning and at least if it’s downhill  tomorrow I can moan and groan somewhere clean. 

 

Hi Scorpio:

 

I'm glad to hear you are up moving around. Sorry you still have the anxiety, tinnitus and raging stomach.

 

My stomach comes and goes because of all the antibiotics I was on, nothing to do with the taper. And now my ear hurts again! So tired of this!

 

My anxiety is starting to let up, so I'll just have to watch it.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

I know some here have not done well with probiotics but you might consider a low dosage to replenish the good gut bacteria that was killed by your four rounds of antibiotics.  It could help your stomach.  I take a probiotic daily.

[Frogie]

2 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

 

No.........I don't really go through "new" symptoms that are horrible anymore or nearly of the intensity that they once were.  I guess I just had expectations of where I would be right now. and all that I would be doing.........then disappointments that I wasn't able to.  But I feel like I am doing okay with the day at a time mentality and am really quite fortunate.   I still have a lot of "symptoms"..........it just gets easier to ride them on out now I think.  I'm really kind of ADD like or a little thought disordered now.......... lately anyway.........it usually passes though and I get more focus, etc.  Nothing dangerous or harmful.

 

How did you sleep?  Is your fiances hot tub outside?  I think you should ask him about using it yourself from time to time.  It sounds perfect for calming.........the nice hot water and jets. 

 

I'm glad CC gave you some more info. on using and diluting your liquid Lexapro.  Are you still holding at the 4.9mg.???   Day 4?  Do you take in the morning?  That's when I took mine.  Next time.........after the holidays and depending on how you do.........I really think you might consider just going down 5% of 4.9mg. or even less.........  to try and stay as stable and functional as possible.........no need to rush these things.  People in general really do seem to do better with slow, educated tapers.........and there are a ton of them here to support and encourage you.

 

I'm going to go on back to the start of your intro. sometime today again as I can't recall why you were prescribed the Lexapro or if you suffered depression too(like me) or just anxiety. 

 

Take care and enjoy a beautiful Sunday........sunshine and blue skies here........

 

mmt

I'm glad you don't go through symptoms too much anymore. You are very lucky.

 

I sleep fine always have. My fiancés hottub is outside. I can use it anytime I want. I just don't like using it by myself and he gets in at 4am.

 

I don't know what I'm going to do on my next taper. But it will be after Christmas. I do know that much. I usually don't have much problem on the 10% taper. A little nausea for a couple of days, but this anxiety really got me this time.

 

I took Lexapro for depression. Started it 20 years ago when going through a divorce and no dr ever took me off if it. So here I am doing it myself. My dr is working really well with me and said to just take my time. He has my back. Which is nice.

 

I take it in the morning. I just want off of it, as long as all I get when I taper is a little nausea, I'll keep on the 10%. Then I have Xanax to taper.

 

Thanks for the advise. I really appreciate it.

 

Have you gotten snow yet? Denver did but where we live we haven't gotten any. It's sunny and blue sky here too.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, manymoretodays said:

Oh and did your liver status normalize?  Have you had labwork since you got here in Aug. 2016 repeated, liver enzymes especially?  Anyway.........I'm not sure I am going to be able to read all 43 pages.

 

However........hold steady for awhile with the Lexapro.  And you are doing super.

 

Love, peace,

mmt

I had my liver checked in May when I had my physical and the dr didn't say anything about it being out of whack or anything. I'm still taking milk thistle.

 

I'm holding with the Lexapro, as you can see with my signature I learned a horrible lesson. They psychiatrist had me going down way too fast. Don't talk with him anymore. I go down about every 30 days or a little longer depends on how I feel.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

[Frogie]

16 minutes ago, Gridley said:

I know some here have not done well with probiotics but you might consider a low dosage to replenish the good gut bacteria that was killed by your four rounds of antibiotics.  It could help your stomach.  I take a probiotic daily.

Hi Gridley:

 

I take a probiotic every day.

 

Thanks for stopping by and giving me the info. You really help me a lot.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[joy2730]

Frogie

 

I thought of you today.  We went to a large shopping town and shopped a lot.  I got 4 new pairs of trousers, a coat, a bra, some makeup and my husband got a shirt, slippers, socks and vests.  All boring stuff really but we enjoyed shopping together.  The shops are full of Christmas stuff, most of which we don't need or want but it is nice to look at 'things'.  We also got an outfit for Esme, dress, top and tights all to match.

 

We also went out for lunch.  There is a fish and chip restaurant that we have been going to for over 30 years, a posh one with starters and desserts and wine.  It was a real treat. 

 

 

All this has taken my mind off my citalopram difficulties, a truly welcome diversion and I feel quite refreshed.  I actually wanted to buy 2 bras but they only had one in of the size I wanted so I will have to buy another online.

 

I bought my bra in the same large shop I had my first panic attack in 41 years ago, and am happy to report that I feel much better these days.  So although I have been heavily medicated all these years, I have survived and do feel better, although of course that is probably despite the drugs rather than because of them.

 

I wanted to take in a show tonight of some sorts but my husband wanted to get back to the farm.  A livestock farm always demands that someone is here, so my husband and son usually cover each other for time away.

 

My husband found the drive back, 45 mins, a bit much on his new hip, but he is eating much better as a result of giving up his tramadol.

 

I have started taking apple cider vinegar to dull my appetite for sweet stuff and to help with my digestion.  Someone at my leisure centre suggested it.  I think it is working.

 

If I can get down a bit lower with the citalopram it will help my weight.  I am almost sure that my weight gain is because the citalopram increases my appetite.

 

it seems that your anxiety is easing Frogie, I am so pleased for you.

 

Can you let us know over the next few days how you are doing?  Especially anxiety/nausea wise.  It really helps to paint a picture of withdrawal for me.

 

Joy

[Frogie]

11 minutes ago, joy2730 said:

Frogie

 

I thought of you today.  We went to a large shopping town and shopped a lot.  I got 4 new pairs of trousers, a coat, a bra, some makeup and my husband got a shirt, slippers, socks and vests.  All boring stuff really but we enjoyed shopping together.  The shops are full of Christmas stuff, most of which we don't need or want but it is nice to look at 'things'.  We also got an outfit for Esme, dress, top and tights all to match.

 

We also went out for lunch.  There is a fish and chip restaurant that we have been going to for over 30 years, a posh one with starters and desserts and wine.  It was a real treat. 

 

 

All this has taken my mind off my citalopram difficulties, a truly welcome diversion and I feel quite refreshed.  I actually wanted to buy 2 bras but they only had one in of the size I wanted so I will have to buy another online.

 

I bought my bra in the same large shop I had my first panic attack in 41 years ago, and am happy to report that I feel much better these days.  So although I have been heavily medicated all these years, I have survived and do feel better, although of course that is probably despite the drugs rather than because of them.

 

I wanted to take in a show tonight of some sorts but my husband wanted to get back to the farm.  A livestock farm always demands that someone is here, so my husband and son usually cover each other for time away.

 

My husband found the drive back, 45 mins, a bit much on his new hip, but he is eating much better as a result of giving up his tramadol.

 

I have started taking apple cider vinegar to dull my appetite for sweet stuff and to help with my digestion.  Someone at my leisure centre suggested it.  I think it is working.

 

If I can get down a bit lower with the citalopram it will help my weight.  I am almost sure that my weight gain is because the citalopram increases my appetite.

 

it seems that your anxiety is easing Frogie, I am so pleased for you.

 

Can you let us know over the next few days how you are doing?  Especially anxiety/nausea wise.  It really helps to paint a picture of withdrawal for me.

 

Joy

Ho Joy:

 

You are so lucky to get to go shopping. I would give anything to go to a mall. I bought my last 2 bras at shopko (it's like a very small expensive Walmart), but a good brand. Very comfy.

 

I'm glad you had a good time and a nice meal.

 

I did my usual and did my online stuff today. I got my granddaughter Christmas presents. I got her a pair of winter boots, a pair of tennis shoes that light up with a remote control, an iPod shuffle with earbuds, a new robe, 2 pairs of pajamas and some slippers. Then "Santa" got her a bunch of make up (she loves to play make up), I get her the cheap stuff, bath and body stuff, lip gloss, Chapstick in different favors, and a new bag to put it all in. I think she did pretty good. I'll get her a chocolate Santa at the store, but then I'm pretty much done with her. We get my Uncle a gift card but we don't buy for anyone else.

 

I bet Esme's outfit is darling as she is. I can just imagine what she looks like.

 

I'm sorry you didn't get to watch a show. I can't remember the last time we did that. But when we get home, they have a new theater and we can go then.

 

I'm glad your husband was at least able to do as much as he did. That's a great accomplishment without his pain meds and having his hip replaced. I understand about the farm. My fiancé works for a Co-Op so when it's harvest, he's gone a lot. I'll be so glad when he gets a normal job, and we can go home.

 

I told him I updated his resume and he didn't even get angry, which tells me he's ready to move on to better things and being home again.

 

My anxiety is almost non-exisitant today. So if that's my "new" taper symptom, I can handle it for about 3 days. Beats being nauseous for a week. I will keep you up to date.

 

I tried Apple Cider Vinegar and couldn't stomach it literally. It was a nightmare. I hope it works for you.

 

It was nice to hear from you as always.

 

Glad you thought of me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[Scorpio]

Hi frogie

hope the ear problem is not related to what your antibiotics were for and not too painful. Brilliant that the anxiety is easing such a relief isn’t it. The physical symptoms I find hard but can cope but anxiety and depression when they hit completely floor me. 

 

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, Scorpio said:

Hi frogie

hope the ear problem is not related to what your antibiotics were for and not too painful. Brilliant that the anxiety is easing such a relief isn’t it. The physical symptoms I find hard but can cope but anxiety and depression when they hit completely floor me. 

 

Scirpio:

 

I hope I'm not getting sick again. We went out yesterday, the wind blows all the time where I live.

 

Last night my ear was hurting again. It's not too painful, just annoying.

 

Anxiety about the worst. I'm so glad it's letting up.

 

Thanks for checking on me.

 

Hope you are feeling well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[manymoretodays]

Okay.  Saw the replies.  Glad the liver problems are history as is the use of GER drugs. 

 

So sorry that you have had such a time of it, with the meds/drugs and never given full disclosure, like most of us, and now doing this very difficult thing of coming off, after all these years..........with the added limitations of  disabilities of one hand and foot.  Do you have to use a cane?

 

Also okay with keeping the peace with fiance..........and allowing him full control of "His hottub" but bummer,  that would be nice to sit on outside with a cuppa tea in the bubbly hot water once in awhile.   Here is to your bathroom remodel ASAP, complete with the finest soaking tub!!!!

 

Just snow up a bit higher now.  Blue skies to overcast today........50's farenheit.........had hoped to do housework or yardwork but just too distracted and have cried twice now.........talked to my Mom who is nearly 90 and intact.........and sure hope to get there for her bday early Febr.  She's in Tucson, AZ............not where I grew up or came from and but not too far............so it's very likely I will get there on or before her big day.  So just sentimental tears really.  The other tears were just while talking to a friend........sentimental again I guess........maybe just frustration tears or something.  It's hard being so slow sometimes when I have such a distracted mind.  Just getting to a bath myself now at 2:30 in the afternoon.  Tis okay........I was out most of yesterday and social.  It always gets better if I am patient with myself.

 

Hugs Frogie.  Love,

 

mmt

[Frogie]

14 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Okay.  Saw the replies.  Glad the liver problems are history as is the use of GER drugs. 

 

So sorry that you have had such a time of it, with the meds/drugs and never given full disclosure, like most of us, and now doing this very difficult thing of coming off, after all these years..........with the added limitations of  disabilities of one hand and foot.  Do you have to use a cane?

 

Also okay with keeping the peace with fiance..........and allowing him full control of "His hottub" but bummer,  that would be nice to sit on outside with a cuppa tea in the bubbly hot water once in awhile.   Here is to your bathroom remodel ASAP, complete with the finest soaking tub!!!!

 

Just snow up a bit higher now.  Blue skies to overcast today........50's farenheit.........had hoped to do housework or yardwork but just too distracted and have cried twice now.........talked to my Mom who is nearly 90 and intact.........and sure hope to get there for her bday early Febr.  She's in Tucson, AZ............not where I grew up or came from and but not too far............so it's very likely I will get there on or before her big day.  So just sentimental tears really.  The other tears were just while talking to a friend........sentimental again I guess........maybe just frustration tears or something.  It's hard being so slow sometimes when I have such a distracted mind.  Just getting to a bath myself now at 2:30 in the afternoon.  Tis okay........I was out most of yesterday and social.  It always gets better if I am patient with myself.

 

Hugs Frogie.  Love,

 

mmt

It's been the pits coming off of everything. The Drs just kept giving more and more. And I just took it. I'll be so glad to be off these last 2,

 

I can go in the hottub, but it's a pain to have to uncover it, and then put the cover back on.

 

No I don't use a cane. I hobble once in a while when my foot aches, and I wear a brace on my hand, but I'm used to it.

 

I was out yesterday, to the grocery store (if that's what you call it).

 

I haven't taken a shower yet, probably before bed.

 

It will be nice to have a tub again! Not too much longer.

 

Well, my laundry is done. Time to put it away.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Scorpio]

Hi frogie’

ooh we had an evil wind here today blowing in from the north. Hate it. I love a breeze in the summer but hate the winter rain, cold, wind. 

I now sit and wait for spring to come back and shiver for the next 6 months. 

Hopefully your ear will settle down and it is just a reaction from cold air. You don’t need that along with those horrible symptoms. 

Feeling better that the past week thank goodness, still anxiety but not as severe, along with the other rotten symptoms but can cope once the anxiety eases a little. I just pray for a window like I used to have when I felt completely normal for a while. Boundless energy and optimism and enjoying going out making plans. Still waiting for those days to return. 

 

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, Scorpio said:

Hi frogie’

ooh we had an evil wind here today blowing in from the north. Hate it. I love a breeze in the summer but hate the winter rain, cold, wind. 

I now sit and wait for spring to come back and shiver for the next 6 months. 

Hopefully your ear will settle down and it is just a reaction from cold air. You don’t need that along with those horrible symptoms. 

Feeling better that the past week thank goodness, still anxiety but not as severe, along with the other rotten symptoms but can cope once the anxiety eases a little. I just pray for a window like I used to have when I felt completely normal for a while. Boundless energy and optimism and enjoying going out making plans. Still waiting for those days to return. 

 

I can handle most weather except wind. I really struggle with it.

 

I know all about anxiety. I'm sorry you are dealing with it. Do you take anything for it? I take Xanax. I'll be glad to be off of that too.

I just don't want to take meds anymore.

 

I hope it was just the wind that aggravated my ear and I don't have another ear infection. I'm sick if being sick.

 

I'm waiting for boundless energy and enjoying going out too.

 

I think we are a lot alike.

 

But we will make it. We have great people right along with us.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Question for anyone that could help me:

 

Last Thursday (Nov 9th) I tapered 10% and had horrible anxiety. Usually I have nausea for 3-4 days but this anxiety was horrific.

 

It has subsided a lot, hardly any now.

 

But, what I was wondering was do I now need to wait 30 days to try the Brassmonkey slide to see if my symptoms wouldn't be so bad, or could I go down 2.5% next Thursday (be Friday I'm not doing it on thanksgiving).

 

Thanks for anyone that can answer my question, I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[manymoretodays]

 

I was just reading brassmonkeys explanation of his slide method to another. 

 

Minimum wait 1 mos., since your recent 10% drop.  Then 2.5% drop each week for 4 weeks.  Then hold for 2 weeks before doing again.

 

So yes.......wait at least 30 days.

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

 

I was just reading brassmonkeys explanation of his slide method to another. 

 

Minimum wait 1 mos., since your recent 10% drop.  Then 2.5% drop each week for 4 weeks.  Then hold for 2 weeks before doing again.

 

So yes.......wait at least 30 days.

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

Thanks answered my question...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

8 hours ago, Frogie said:

I really appreciate all the work you put into this.

 

I will make sure to keep this so when I am ready, I'll have the information.

 

You're welcome.  It can be hard to get your head around it.  I'm a visual person and have difficulty doing mental maths.  That's why I provided all of my calculations and the extra written details so that you can see how it works. If you start with the simple and what you understand you can then build on that step by step.  It is also helpful to be able to make a calculation (like the final multiplication) so that you can be sure that you have it correct.  Once you start doing the more complicated reduction amounts it will be helpful to write down what you are doing, because it can be easy to forget or your have an "off" day when your mind isn't as alert.

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, ChessieCat said:

 

You're welcome.  It can be hard to get your head around it.  I'm a visual person and have difficulty doing mental maths.  That's why I provided all of my calculations and the extra written details so that you can see how it works. If you start with the simple and what you understand you can then build on that step by step.  It is also helpful to be able to make a calculation (like the final multiplication) so that you can be sure that you have it correct.  Once you start doing the more complicated reduction amounts it will be helpful to write down what you are doing, because it can be easy to forget or your have an "off" day when your mind isn't as alert.

I really do appreciate all the hard work you did for me. I'm a visual person also, so this will help a lot if/when the time comes.

 

I will be doing the easiest as possible lol...

 

I'm sure even with the visualization, I'll be asking questions when the time comes.

 

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

2 hours ago, Frogie said:

I'm sure even with the visualization, I'll be asking questions when the time comes.

 

It's a good idea to get it checked so that you don't have the added worry about whether you got it right.

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

It's a good idea to get it checked so that you don't have the added worry about whether you got it right.

Yes it is thanks Chessiecat for helping me. I really appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

Frogie,  

 

Was just reading on Flowers' thread that you and your fiance decided you should pass on the volunteering until the 1st of the year.  It's SO TOTALLY not my  place but that never stops me --  -- I think that is the wrong thought process.  If you sit at home trying to "fight off" the anxiety or "run from it" that gives it power over you.  If you go out and do something that makes you feel good about yourself and distracts you odds are that you will feel much better than if you stay home.  You didn't stop because you were anxious -- you got sick.  

 

I would encourage you to rethink this -- even though it's not my place to say.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, apace41 said:

Frogie,  

 

Was just reading on Flowers' thread that you and your fiance decided you should pass on the volunteering until the 1st of the year.  It's SO TOTALLY not my  place but that never stops me --  -- I think that is the wrong thought process.  If you sit at home trying to "fight off" the anxiety or "run from it" that gives it power over you.  If you go out and do something that makes you feel good about yourself and distracts you odds are that you will feel much better than if you stay home.  You didn't stop because you were anxious -- you got sick.  

 

I would encourage you to rethink this -- even though it's not my place to say.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Thanks Andy:

 

I will talk to my fiancé again tonight about it.

 

Just thought that it would be better to wait until the 1st of the year to start back up because of the holidays coming.

 

My Uncle will be here for both Thanksgiving and Christmas and somehow, we are spending some time with my granddaughter and his family.

 

You do make a lot of sense though.

 

I really appreciate your input.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[apace41]

I'm glad you took it in the spirit it was intended.  I have the image of you sitting alone in your rocking chair with Brownie much of the day waiting for your fiance to come home and messaging people on SA.  I'm sure there's more to it but I can imagine that if you feel isolated that can greatly exacerbate feelings of anxiety and, to be honest, any bad feeling.  Getting out and having a purpose and place to go while you are healing would be a big plus for you in my estimation.

 

Since I'm good at overstepping my bounds, I would suggest that you take the lead on making this decision rather than deferring to your fiance.

 

Now I'll shut up.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Flowers]

Hello Frogie

 

My goodness you get up early. It is lovely that you do it to spend time with your fiance though.

 

Do you get much snow in the winter? I bet it is so pretty but I don't think I could stand the cold after living in the warmth for so long.

 

Following on from Andy's thoughts re returning to your job - maybe you could try one day and see how you go. If you explain you are getting over an illness and may not be up to it they will understand I am sure.  Just being out of the house might do you good. It always helps me to engage with others unless I am totally whacked like I am now!

 

Lots of love

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

 

 

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, apace41 said:

I'm glad you took it in the spirit it was intended.  I have the image of you sitting alone in your rocking chair with Brownie much of the day waiting for your fiance to come home and messaging people on SA.  I'm sure there's more to it but I can imagine that if you feel isolated that can greatly exacerbate feelings of anxiety and, to be honest, any bad feeling.  Getting out and having a purpose and place to go while you are healing would be a big plus for you in my estimation.

 

Since I'm good at overstepping my bounds, I would suggest that you take the lead on making this decision rather than deferring to your fiance.

 

Now I'll shut up.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Andy:

 

You never have to shut up when giving advise. I really do appreciate your advise.

 

I do sit in my chair with Brownie most of the day. I do try to do things around the house, dust, vacuum, pick up after my fiancé lol...

 

I talk and text on the phone a lot too.

 

I just need to get a schedule of who's coming when. I know I have to go to my granddaughter, and we have to go to his family, so that needs to be figured out. My Uncle will come out a couple days before the holiday, and leave the Monday after (at least that's what he usually does). Guess I could take them with me. The place that I volunteer at wouldn't mind.

 

I still need to find out what days my fiancé is taking off during the holidays so I can work around him.

 

Thanks for helping me out.

 

Now I'll shut up lol...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

P.S. I don't sit on SA all day, I just never sign out. My iPad is a pain to try to get back on, so I just leave a lot of things running.

 

 

[Frogie]

7 minutes ago, Flowers said:

Hello Frogie

 

My goodness you get up early. It is lovely that you do it to spend time with your fiance though.

 

Do you get much snow in the winter? I bet it is so pretty but I don't think I could stand the cold after living in the warmth for so long.

 

Following on from Andy's thoughts re returning to your job - maybe you could try one day and see how you go. If you explain you are getting over an illness and may not be up to it they will understand I am sure.  Just being out of the house might do you good. It always helps me to engage with others unless I am totally whacked like I am now!

 

Lots of love

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

 

 

Hi Flowers:

 

Andy is right. 

 

You our can read my thread, I just wrote back to him.

 

I need to figure out when my Uncle is coming, and when we are going to see my granddaughter and his family. And when he is taking off so I can do this around him.

 

I'm sure it would do me good to get out again. 

 

We we used to get quite a bit of snow, starting in October, but we don't have any yet. It's really pretty. And I get to wear my sweaters and boots. I wish it would snow, I'm missing it. I think it's global warming, but I'm no expert.

 

Thanks for your input, I really do appreciate it!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

No problem Frogie. 

 

You have a lot to organise but it sounds like the holidays will be fun for you having visitors and visiting your granddaughter.

 

Sometimes we can't see what might be best for ourselves so thank God for Andy!! Where would we be without him and the other mods of course.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

Just now, Flowers said:

No problem Frogie. 

 

You have a lot to organise but it sounds like the holidays will be fun for you having visitors and visiting your granddaughter.

 

Sometimes we can't see what might be best for ourselves so thank God for Andy!! Where would we be without him and the other mods of course.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

Flowers:

 

Unfortunatley where we live, no one wants to come see us except my Uncle, so we have to go see them.

 

I will be so glad when we get to move back home. Life will be much easier.

 

I don't see what's best for me, so you and I can thank God for Andy and all the other mods. I don't know what I would do without this site. It's helped me so much. And friends like you and everyone else.

 

Do you have holidays like us? Just curious.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

[Frogie]

Andy:

 

Can I PM you? Do you have time to read it and respond? If you don't, I understand.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Sorry Frogie - I forgot you are living where it seems to be fairly isolated and not so friendly. I hope you get home soon where you will be happier.

 

The holidays here are a little different to anywhere else I have ever lived.  I know you have Thanksgiving as was in Maine one year for it. We really enjoyed our stay.

 

When we first came here  many years ago you couldn't buy a Christmas tree, lights or any decorations.  Street lights were put up on Christmas Eve and all the shops in town put little fir trees outside decorated with  red bows. Carols were piped through the streets as people did their shopping. It was rather quaint and not commercial. Nowadays the place is full of Christmas stuff already!

 

Christmas Eve is the time the Spanish get together with their families and have a special meal. It tends to be suckling pig or something fishy.  They don't really do much on Christmas Day or have Boxing Day like we do in UK. The next celebration is New Years Eve but again that is usually a quiet family time unless you go to something organised that will have fireworks. 

 

Then we have Three Kings on 5/6 January. There are parades of the three kings in some towns and this is when presents are exchanged. 

 

We don't have any family so are usually on our own. We go up to the Ski Village in Granada on Christmas Day and play in the snow and then come down for our dinner in the sunshine! If we have any friends around at the time they join us.

 

Do you send Christmas Cards? The Spanish don't so I usually have to get mine online.

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

 

[apace41]

8 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Can I PM you?

 

Sure.  I will do my best.

[Frogie]

Just now, apace41 said:

 

Sure.  I will do my best.

Thanks...

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, Flowers said:

Sorry Frogie - I forgot you are living where it seems to be fairly isolated and not so friendly. I hope you get home soon where you will be happier.

 

The holidays here are a little different to anywhere else I have ever lived.  I know you have Thanksgiving as was in Maine one year for it. We really enjoyed our stay.

 

When we first came here  many years ago you couldn't buy a Christmas tree, lights or any decorations.  Street lights were put up on Christmas Eve and all the shops in town put little fir trees outside decorated with  red bows. Carols were piped through the streets as people did their shopping. It was rather quaint and not commercial. Nowadays the place is full of Christmas stuff already!

 

Christmas Eve is the time the Spanish get together with their families and have a special meal. It tends to be suckling pig or something fishy.  They don't really do much on Christmas Day or have Boxing Day like we do in UK. The next celebration is New Years Eve but again that is usually a quiet family time unless you go to something organised that will have fireworks. 

 

Then we have Three Kings on 5/6 January. There are parades of the three kings in some towns and this is when presents are exchanged. 

 

We don't have any family so are usually on our own. We go up to the Ski Village in Granada on Christmas Day and play in the snow and then come down for our dinner in the sunshine! If we have any friends around at the time they join us.

 

Do you send Christmas Cards? The Spanish don't so I usually have to get mine online.

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

 

Hi Flowers:

 

Our Thanksgiving is getting really commercialized. You eat the turkey dinner, watch parades on tv, and football. Then all the stores are open so you do your Christmas shopping then. They have great deals. But we can't do that out here, we don't have the stores. I spent the weekend ordering my granddaughter's presents on line before they ran out of what she wanted.

 

Christmas is commercialized too. It isn't like when I was a child. You went to Christmas Eve services and then had a simple dinner with family. Then you went home and went to bed so Santa would come. Christmas Day you spent with your family. We get to see my Uncle for Christmas, but I'm an only child and my parents have passed away. My kids have their own family so we are on our own here. 

 

I didnt know anything about the Three Kings and your presents in January, that's interesting.

 

I hope we get snow for Christmas or it just doesn't "feel" like Christmas.

 

I do send out just a few cards, not many. It's easier, cheaper, but not as personal to text people.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx